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Published on: August 10, 2012
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Decrease of glycogen synthase kinase 3β phosphorylation in the rat nucleus accumbens shell is necessary for
Joong-Keun Shin1, Wha Young Kim1, Haeun Rim2
1Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea.
Summary
Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) activity differs between nucleus accumbens subregions during amphetamine-induced behaviors. This study reveals GSK3β
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) phosphorylation levels correlate negatively with psychomotor stimulant-induced locomotor activity.
- GSK3β activity in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) core is crucial for psychomotor stimulant-induced locomotor sensitization and conditioned effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differential role of GSK3β in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) core and shell subregions in the expression of amphetamine (AMPH)-induced drug-conditioned behaviors.
- To determine if GSK3β mediates AMPH-induced conditioned locomotor activity in the NAcc shell.
Main Methods:
- Measuring GSK3β phosphorylation levels in the NAcc shell of rats exhibiting AMPH-induced conditioned locomotor activity.
- Administering lithium chloride, a GSK3β inhibitor, to observe its effect on GSK3β phosphorylation and behavior.
Main Results:
- GSK3β phosphorylation was significantly reduced in the NAcc shell of rats showing AMPH-induced conditioned locomotor activity.
- Treatment with lithium chloride normalized these reduced GSK3β phosphorylation levels.
Conclusions:
- Amphetamine (AMPH)-induced behaviors and AMPH-associated conditioned behaviors are differentially regulated by the NAcc core and shell subregions.
- GSK3β in the NAcc shell plays a significant role in the expression of AMPH-induced conditioned locomotor activity.
